The third full-length from contemporary R&B diva Alicia Keys is called AS I AM, a title that adequately reflects the album's straightforward, confessional soul-pop. Keys built her popularity making stylish, reflective, voice-and-piano music; AS I AM continues that trend, albeit in a poppier vein that balances neatly between neo-soul and adult contemporary. This is reflected in the midtempo grooves, songs of empowerment ("Superwoman"), and stirring ballads ("The Thing About Love"). Keys' collaborators on the album include songwriter Linda Perry, who co-wrote three of the album's tracks, and John Mayer, who twines voices with Keys on the sensual "Lesson Learned." Top-notch arrangements, which include gorgeous, retro-tinged flourishes via strings and horns, make the set shimmer, but it's the strength of the hook-heavy tunes and Keys' moving performances that make AS I AM stick. It's not the five-star album she's capable of, but it leaves little doubt that Keys is moving steadily in that direction.
- Format: Vinyl, 2 LP
- Genre: Funk/Soul
- Remember, for our lowest prices, always order directly from Joco Records!
Track Listing:
A1 As I Am (Intro)
A2 Go Ahead
A3 Superwoman
B1 No One
B2 Like You'll Never See Me Again
B3 Lesson Learned
B4 Wreckless Love
C1 The Thing About Love
C2 Teenage Love Affair
C3 I Need You
C4 Where Do We Go From Here
D1 Preluder To A Kiss
D2 Tell You Something (Nana's Reprise)
D3 Sure Looks Good To Me